Horse racing season kicks off at Assiniboia Downs

WINNIPEG — The race track at Assiniboia Downs is ready for its 59th season.

Manitobans can expect to see more than 600 horses on site until the middle of September.

Horse trainers are currently coming in from across North America to prepare. Jockeys are travelling to Winnipeg from as far Jamaica and Barbados.

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“We’re looking forward to giving people bigger horse fields in the races to wager on,” C.E.O of Assiniboia Downs Darren Dunn said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're looking forward to giving people bigger horse fields in the races to wager on," C.E.O of Assiniboia Downs Darren Dunn said.

There will be a later post time of 7:30 p.m. this year to give people a chance to win more money at the track, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and select Sunday nights. Both parking and admission are free.

“There are also four matinee race cards during the stat holidays this summer,” Dunn said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There are also four matinee race cards during the stat holidays this summer," Dunn said.

On August long weekend, a free country concert along with the RCMP musical ride will return to Manitoba for the first time in four years.

Global News Morning was live from the winner’s circle at the track Friday. The first race starts Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.